Judith Thorne

Judy Thorne (Ackroyd), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Rochester, New York in 1940, Judy lived a life centered on family, kindness, creativity, and quiet generosity.

Judy shared more than 60 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Fred Thorne, until his passing in 2025. Together they built a loving family and a lifetime of memories rooted in devotion to one another and the people they loved most.

She is survived by her children, Jill (Jack), Kristin (Mike) Sherman, David (Kristin), and Susanne. Judy was a deeply proud and loving grandmother to Claudia, Brett, and Paige Sherman, Alex and Anna Thorne, and Cassidy and Stone McLeod. Nothing brought Judy greater joy than time spent with her family. Whether gathered around a holiday table, attending sporting events, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying everyday moments together, she treasured her role as mother and grandmother above all else.

Judy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from State University of Geneseo, NY and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Marycrest College in Davenport Iowa. She was a lifelong educator having taught at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. In addition, she tutored numerous students after retiring from full time teaching and was an active volunteer in Carmel Clay (Indiana) schools for years.

Judy loved to cook and bake and had a remarkable gift for sewing and knitting. Judy expressed her love for others through the things she created with her hands. Over the years, she designed and made countless prom dresses, baby blankets, dog blankets, and cherished throw blankets for family members and friends. Her creations were not simply crafts — they were lasting expressions of care, warmth, and love.

Judy and Fred also shared a passion for travel and adventure. Together they enjoyed numerous cruises around the world, with their Alaskan and Scandinavian cruises remaining among their most treasured experiences. They loved sightseeing and making new friends on each cruise they took together.

Judy will be remembered for her warmth and kindness along with her great sense of humor. She had an incredibly strong and unwavering love for her family. Her memory lives on in the lives she touched and in the countless memories woven together through the family and friend network she adored.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, parents William and Helen (Strutz) Ackryoyd, parents-in-law Richard and Margaret (Schneeberger) Thorne, sisters-in-law Sally, Hope, Barb, and Alice “Alley” Ackroyd, and brother-in-law and sister- in-law William “Bill” and Sylvia Thorne. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, brothers Dave, Ted and Ken Ackroyd, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Judy would request that any desired memorial contributions be made to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208) or The O'Connor House - Carmel (The O’Connor House - Gift Office, PO Box 1061, Carmel, IN 46082) which supports single women and families in need.

May Judy rest in peace with the eternal understanding of her legacy that will live on through those who knew and loved her.